Since the Sunday Times hit Sir Phillip Green, owner of the Arcadia group, with allegations of unethical practises of factory workers, a recent survey revealed that 45 per cent of consumers are sceptical of ethical guarantees made by stores on the high street. This UK based survey continues to reveal that 59 per cent of consumers feel ethics within the fashion industry are important, and an over whelming majority of 70 per cent felt the exclusion of sweat shops and child labour during manufacturing is crucial.
Sir Phillip Green released his own statement amidst theses allegations. “Having investigated, I provided yesterday to the newspaper a copy of Arcadia's most recently completed independent audit report undertaken a few months ago together with a further audit report from another [unnamed] major retailer dated July 2007. Both these reports found the factories generally compliant with relevant Codes of Practice,"
Safia Minney, founder of ethical fashion label, People Tree, understands consumers’ mistrust of such brands. “There is scepticism about ethical fashion on the high street because there is often a lack of transparency, particularly with organic cotton where there is no legislation.” She continues, “the reason why People Tree has seen such high growth is that labels aren’t enough. People need to be sure of the companies’ ethos so they are searching out the pioneers in this area,” reported New Consumer.
Consumers under the age of 25 admit to being won over by cheap fashion, without giving any thought to fair labour conditions and child labour, 6 out of 10 ten consumers fall into this category. A grim aspect, but never the less 4 out of 10 consumers do have fashion a fashion concionce, and according to Safia Minney. “The four in ten under 25 year olds that DO care are building a flourishing ethical and fair trade fashion industry ” for us all.
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